Information Technology is the need of the hour. It has entered into every aspect of our lives. It has its presence even in the health sector and proffering help to the medical professionals in many ways.
In short termed as IT, it can be defined as the use of computers and the Internet for storing, transmitting, retrieving information. It is often considered as the division of ICT i.e. Information and Communication Technology.
Below are few modes in which IT can contribute to the improvement of patient health and the health industry as well.
Use of Devices:
Doctors can take the help of electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc. They can be used for sending online prescriptions i.e. e- prescriptions to pharmacies. E-prescribing of applications, even permits the medical professional to have a look at the patient’s medical history, allergies, insurance, etc. In this way, a lot of errors and lives can be saved.
Wearable Medical Devices:
With the advancement of technology, there are many wearable medical devices to have understanding of one’s health. Some of them include Bingo Black Bluetooth Smart Band, Fit Guard, Balansens, Sun Friend, etc. Based on the results, necessary steps can also be taken accordingly by the concerned person.
Sun Friend can be used for examining the amount of sun one has been exposed to throughout the day. Whereas Fit Guard is used for detecting head injuries for exclusively athletes.
Medical Records:
The online version of the medical record system or Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system can help the doctors to a very great extent. It can help the medical professional by having access to the lab results, medication records of patients easily. With these systems, the patient data can be sent from one department to another very conveniently in a matter of seconds.
Medical Equipment:
There are medical equipments that can help a lot in the safety process. For example, the scanning device helps in knowing the patient’s functioning of the organ. It can easily identify, detect any problem before any medicines are recommended to them.
Software:
There are softwares available which can help in easy tracking of information. For example, eClinicalWorks’ EHR system. It helps in knowing the schedules of medical staff, their meetings, and their schedule for the day, etc. For example Surescripts helps in connecting clinicians with payers like insurers and drug mail order companies, chain and independent pharmacies, etc.
